shooting a cemetery bad taste?

fotobandini · Nov 24, 2006

I planned to go shoot some photos today after work in the nearby cemetary. I got to talking to someone I work with about it and they acted kind of shocked and were of the opinion that it would be disrespectful, i guess. Im not trying to make any mourners angry. I wasnt going to shoot names or anything personal really. Just kind of wondering what your opinions are and if there are any tips are suggestions from those who have experience. Thanks for your help. I tried to search the subject but didnt have any luck.

kelly37167 · Nov 24, 2006

I don't have a problem with it. I myself would like to go to a cemetary and shoot. I have, got pics of my family's tombstones. I don't find anything wrong with it. You're not disrepecting anyone.

Claff · Nov 24, 2006

I wouldn't shoot in the general area where there are mourners around. I'd stay in the car and wait for them to do what they have to do and then leave before stepping out myself, or if the cemetery's big enough, go to another area.

We got hassled pretty good a couple months back shooting at a Hollywood cemetery that I'm sure gets plenty of tourists... maybe we should have stuck with the point-and-shooters we saw lots of other people using instead of breaking out the big guns. Lesson learned.

craig · Nov 24, 2006

It is not disrespectful unless there is a burial going on. They cemetery may be on private property. In any case get permission from the owners or whatever.

digital flower · Nov 25, 2006

I don't think the residents are going to mind.

Chiller · Nov 25, 2006

Its a good question. I usually shoot at a cemetery 3 or 4 times a month as it is my favorite spot. I have also been escorted out of one cemetery by some rent a cops, but other then them , I have not had any hassles. That particular cemetery was a private one and there were rules against photography, even tho they were not posted. Just keep an eye out for that. Where I live, the private cemeteries can have a "no photography, no rubbings" policy. This was started from people complaining about photographers and others doing gravestone rubbings while they were there.
When Im at a cemetery I just respect others. I wont shoot if there is funeral going on, or if I see mourners at grave sites, I put the camera away.
I wont disturb any of the stones or anything belonging to them. I try to be really carefull and not cliimb around them, just in case one might break. I try not to get names in the shots, and some of the stones have photos embedded in them, so I try to stay away from that.
There are people who are dead against it...no pun intended... , but I also respect where I am. Kinda like nature. Just try to keep an eye out for others. Even if it means going back the next day.
Lookin forward to your pics.

woodsac · Nov 25, 2006

There shouldn't be any concerns as long as you are respectful.

In the states, there are even cemetaries that no longer accept burials. They are now major tourist attractions for weddings, photography and other events. It's an accepted practice in most public cems nowadays.

usayit · Nov 26, 2006

Cemetery is one of my favorite places to shoot. Quite often I visit them to get away from the noise of a congested area. Great place to think. Some cemeteries are treated like a park in some communities.

rule #1... respect the cemetery and its visitors.
rule #2... respect rule #1.

If you see trash, pick it up and take it out with you.

I keep a good distance from anyone paying their respects. The idea is that they do not notice your presense. If there is a funeral, I usually leave and come back another day.

If the cemetery is next to a church, I avoid visiting on days of worship (usually Sundays).

Be very aware of where you step... I once had a nasty fall because I was looking through the lens instead of where I was walking.

As with most property I choose to enter, I will politely excuse myself off of the property if asked to do so.

A grounds keeper once greated me nicely and thanked me for picking up the tiny US flags that had fallen over.

GrfxGuru · Nov 26, 2006

I have to agree with the other posts, I think if you respect anyone that maybe there then everything should be fine. On a recent trip to one I actually got some pretty good history from a couple that were there visiting relatives. They we're fine with me taking pictures, although this was a way out of the way and sadly almost forgotten location

Only thing I would say is that if you post them you might want to consider changing or hiding any details that may let someone identify the graves.

Just my two cents,
Regards,
Peter Witham

fotobandini · Nov 27, 2006

thanks for all the tips and suggestions everyone. I went on Friday but ended up getting out of work later than i expected and only got a couple of shots. I basically stayed away from mourners as suggested and when i was walking past people i put my camera away. I had a groundskeeper drive by when I was taking one picture and nothing was said. I only walked though a small section of the cemetery...its huge. I definitely saw some things id like to shoot in the future though. I definitely wont be including any identifying features though. Once again thanks for all the replies.